In a triangle with side lengths a = 38 units, b = 36 units and c = 18 units, what is the perimeter of the triangle?

Introduction / Context:
This problem checks a very basic but important concept in geometry, namely the perimeter of a triangle. In aptitude and school level mathematics, learners must be comfortable adding side lengths and interpreting what a perimeter represents. The question provides all three sides explicitly and asks for the sum, which makes this an example of a straightforward recall and application question.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• Side a of the triangle = 38 units.• Side b of the triangle = 36 units.• Side c of the triangle = 18 units.• The triangle is valid and follows the triangle inequality, so a perimeter can be meaningfully computed.

Concept / Approach:
The perimeter of a triangle is defined as the total distance around the triangle. Mathematically, if the three side lengths are a, b, and c, then perimeter P is given by P = a + b + c. There are no square roots or advanced formulas required here; the problem mainly tests accuracy in simple addition and reading the values correctly from the question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write the formula for the perimeter of a triangle.P = a + b + c.Step 2: Substitute the given side lengths.P = 38 + 36 + 18.Step 3: Add the first two numbers.38 + 36 = 74.Step 4: Add the remaining side length.74 + 18 = 92.Step 5: Conclude that the perimeter is 92 units.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify the arithmetic in a different grouping: add 36 and 18 first, which gives 54, and then add 38. So P = 38 + 54 = 92. Since both methods give the same total, the addition is consistent. Additionally, the sides satisfy the triangle inequality because each side is less than the sum of the other two, which reassures us that the side lengths are reasonable.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: 74 units is only the sum of 38 and 36 and ignores the third side of 18 units.Option C: 56 units appears unrelated to any direct combination of the three sides and does not represent the full perimeter.Option D: 54 units is only the sum of 36 and 18 and again omits one side.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to forget one of the sides when performing the addition, especially in timed tests. Another error can occur if a learner misreads one of the numbers, for example reading 38 as 36 or vice versa. Writing the formula and substituting carefully helps avoid these issues. Learners should also remember that perimeter is always a simple linear sum and not an area or product based calculation.

Final Answer:
The perimeter of the triangle is 92 units.